Solar

Photovoltaic panels used to collect solar energy.

The California Desert region holds some of the highest concentrations of solar energy potential in the United States.

On public lands, solar development for large-scale electricity projects is just beginning, but the future looks bright. The BLM received a flood of solar applications in the late 2000s. In late 2010, the BLM approved the first utility-scale solar energy projects on public lands. While many speculative applications have since been closed, the BLM has continued to approve beneficial projects. All are carefully considered through detailed environmental reviews with full public involvement.

Applicants have submitted proposals for a variety of solar technologies. These can be generally described as follows:

Photovoltaic technology uses solar cells packaged together in large arrays to convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Parabolic trough technology uses rows of parabolic mirrors with an absorber tube to concentrate energy into a thermal power plant.

Power tower technology uses a central tower (300-450 feet in height) with a field of mirrors to concentrate energy into a thermal power plant.

The BLM and Department of Energy have teamed up to direct solar energy development in the West through the Western Solar Plan. The agencies have have identified 19 Solar Energy Zones, including three in California, in which to prioritize solar energy development. The Western Solar Plan Record of Decision was released in October 2012.